Superintendent Update
Tap Into Maple Run Newsletter
Welcome, December!
As the winter season settles in, we embrace the shorter daylight, cooler days, and the beauty of falling snow. The Maple Run community continues to shine brightly, no matter the season, with exciting activities and achievements across our schools.
This past week, the SATEC 1st Grade Team hosted their first Stay & Play event of the school year. It was heartwarming to see students engage with their peers and staff members in such a fun, casual setting after school. Events like this remind us of the importance of building strong relationships and creating joyful learning environments.
At BFA, Win-Win Mentors visited SATEC, fostering weekly connections between our students and inspiring mentorship opportunities that support growth and development. Thank you to everyone involved in creating this impactful experience!
The week also brought exciting artistic performances. Saint Albans City School’s 2nd-4th grade Drama students dazzled audiences with their fantastic rendition of The Aristocats. The students delivered three performances—one for the entire school and two for the community. Congratulations to the young actors and their dedicated teachers for showcasing such creativity and talent!
On Wednesday, we held a productive School Board Meeting, where the first draft of the district budget was presented. It was a great opportunity to discuss plans for the future and align our resources to continue supporting our students’ success.
As we move through December, let’s celebrate the connections and accomplishments that define our district. From exciting performances to meaningful mentorships, our schools remind us of the power of community and the joy of learning together.
Thank you for being a part of the Maple Run family, and let’s keep the energy alive as we head into the holiday season!
I had the incredible honor of being part of BFA’s production of Beauty and the Beast. It was an experience I will cherish. Watching this talented group of students, staff, and volunteers bring such a magical story to life on stage was truly inspiring - but being included in the performance made it even more special.
To the amazing students: your talent, dedication, and passion for the arts shone brilliantly in every scene. From your powerful voices to your expressive performances, you transported us all into the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast.
To the staff and volunteers: your hard work behind the scenes made this production a spectacular success. From set design to costumes, lighting, and choreography, your expertise and commitment created an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible production. It was a joy to share the stage with you and witness firsthand the energy and creativity you bring to your craft. Experiences like this remind us all of the power of the arts to connect and inspire us as a community.
Congratulations on a truly spectacular musical. You’ve set a high bar for future productions, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Dedicated SATEC Math Teacher and District Math Coordinator
This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Samantha (Sam) Gagne, who has been a cornerstone of the Saint Albans Town Educational Center (SATEC) for the past nine years. Before joining SATEC, Sam spent seven years at the Soar Learning Center, building her extensive experience in education. Currently, she teaches 4th-grade math at SATEC and has stepped into a new role as Maple Run’s Districtwide Math Coordinator.
An exciting addition to the district, this role allows Sam to bring her passion for innovative teaching. She is particularly enthusiastic about the new Illustrative Mathematics (IM) Program, which emphasizes hands-on, problem-based learning - an approach that aligns perfectly with her own love for interactive, visual learning.
Sam’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her connection to the community. A proud graduate of Swanton School and Missisquoi Valley Union (MVU), Sam appreciates the opportunity to work and raise her family in the same area where she grew up. She is grateful for the chance to give back to the community that shaped her, building strong relationships with her students and fostering a “school family” environment in her classroom.
Beyond the classroom, Sam had a fruitful adventure this year—literally! She planted a pumpkin patch at her home, growing approximately 45 pumpkins across six varieties during her first growing season. The largest pumpkin tipped the scales at 34 pounds!
When it comes to teaching, Sam believes learning should be engaging and fun. She thrives on seeing her students excited about new concepts and actively seeks ways to make lessons enjoyable. If something isn’t clicking, she adjusts her approach to ensure her students not only grasp the material but also have fun doing it.
Sam’s dedication to her students and her community shines brightly. We’re lucky to have such a passionate and innovative educator in Maple Run!
Thank you, Sam, for all you do to inspire and support our students. Keep up the amazing work—both in the classroom and in your pumpkin patch!
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